The news that Viacom sold developer Harmonix to Columbus Nova (a private investment firm) came as a bit of a surprise. While it was rumored that Viacom was shopping the Rock band developer, it was thought that one of the major publishers would step forward and purchase the developer; but with the recent downturn in music titles, it was only a matter of time that things were going to change for Harmonix.

While the disappointing sales contributed to the situation, the future of Harmonix as an independent developer could be bright, depending on where the innovation of music titles goes, and whether the company can successfully attract gamers back to these titles again. Selling these music titles and add-ons (songs) to fans of the Rock band games isn’t going to get it done; they need to re-ignite and bring more players back into the fold.

While there is a lot of speculation that either Electronic Arts or Activision might still buy the developer, we suspect that at least for the time being both publishers will take a wait and see approach while the developer charts out its future strategy and plans going forward. In the short term, it is believed that EA will still be distributing the Harmonix-developed titles though the EA Partners Program at retail.

The studio is said to be excited to be returning to its roots as an independent developer and a privately owned studio. In the short term, it could be tricky for the studio; but with the recent success of Dance Central, the developers have opened a new door that could turn out to be quite successful as a franchise over the long haul.